Taking it all the way back to 2018 when Marissa was a singer in a pop-punk band and still living in Indiana. She thought it was going to be just another gig, but little did she know she'd meet her husband-to-be, Taylor. Taylor was the drummer in the touring pop-punk band headlining that night from Minnesota. After their sets, Taylor approached Marissa with compliments of her performance and politely asked if they could keep in touch over social media. Marissa didn't think too much of this, as it's common to network this way when you're a musician. However, the two stayed in touch.

Taylor had been working with a producer in Indiana with his band and was coming back to record soon. He asked Marissa if she'd like to go on a date the next time he came to town. Marissa thought "what does this guy from Minnesota want to do with me?", but decided it was worth a shot (spoiler alert: it was). The two met at a local coffee shop and hit it off immediately. It felt as if they've known each other forever. They spent the evening learning about each other, laughing at each other's jokes, and discussing their deep love for music. After the night was over, the two of them realized it wasn't just another date, it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

In October of 2018, Marissa finally built up the courage to ask her parent’s if she could visit Taylor in Minnesota. They were unsure, but decided it must be a big deal to her if she’s willing to travel for him (thanks, Chris and Anita!). It was Marissa’s first time in Minnesota and she didn’t know what to expect. Fall was her favorite time of the year, and Taylor was sure to plan the best fall activities. The two visited Minnehaha falls amongst the beautiful fall foliage, carved pumpkins, and went as a couple for the first time to Taylor’s band’s annual Halloween party. The trip ended with Taylor asking Marissa to “officially” be his girlfriend on October 25th, 2018.

The two of them ended up dating long-distance for about a year before Marissa made the tough decision to leave her hometown in Indiana and move to Minnesota. As much as she loved her friends and family in Indiana, she had a gut feeling that if she didn’t at least try it, she would regret it.

Fast forward to November, 11th 2022. The couple was on vacation in Cancùn, Mexico. After dinner at the resort, the two went up to the rooftop to sit under the night sky with a few drinks and a small speaker to listen to their favorite band, the 1975’s, newest album “Being Funny in a Foreign Language”. It was a beautiful night. The weather was perfect and the view of the night sky against the ocean was breathtaking. A love song on the album started to play and Taylor asked Marissa to dance. It was then that he got down on one knee and asked Marissa to spend the rest of her life with him. Marissa was surprised, but at the same time, overwhelmed with happiness. She said yes!

It’s hard to believe, but it has been over five years since Marissa began building a life in Minnesota with Taylor, and more than six years since their love story first began. In that time, they have shared countless moments, both big and small, that have shaped their journey together. They have grown into the best versions of themselves, learning from one another and supporting each other through every high and low. They have laughed until their stomachs hurt, wiped away each other’s tears, and found comfort in simply being together. Their love has deepened with each passing day, and the connection they share is stronger and more beautiful than ever. The most wonderful part of it all is that this is just the beginning of their lifetime filled with love, adventure, and countless memories still waiting to be made.